Xenon Light Pass Box

Pulsed xenon UV systems use microsecond bursts of high-intensity, broad-spectrum light—including UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A—to damage microbial DNA/RNA far more powerfully than fixed-wavelength mercury UV lamps. A typical flash can reach up to 1?MW of peak power, delivering a pathogen reduction in under a minute¹. Unlike chemicals, it doesn’t leave residues, and its high penetration enables effective sterilization even in reflections and shadowed areas. Additionally, it consumes low energy per cycle and requires no water use, making it cost-effective and eco-friendly. These flashes are precisely monitored and reproducible, ensuring that each load receives the exact same radiation dose for validation purposes. Finally, it's safer and faster than chemical approaches like VHP when used properly, with built-in safeguards like interlocks, ozone control, and UV shielding.

Xenon Light Pass Boxes incorporate multiple redundant safety protocols. They employ dual electronic and mechanical interlocks to ensure only one door opens at a time, preserving cleanroom integrity. UV-shielded viewing windows, constructed from tempered or quartz glass, block harmful UV while letting users observe cycles. Units only activate xenon lamps when doors are fully closed, preventing accidental exposure. Many models also include ozone removal modules to neutralize any ozone created during UV flashes. Audible and visual indicators signal cycle status, while emergency stop switches immediately halt operation if needed. Regular maintenance guidelines-such as flash lamp replacement and validation testing—further ensure that safety systems remain reliable over time.

Labtron supplies modern Xenon Light Pass Boxes support rigorous validation through integrated logging and monitoring systems. Each pulse is logged—capturing parameters like energy per flash and cycle duration-ensuring reproducibility. Many units include built-in sensors and dose meters to verify UV intensity in real time. User interfaces often display cycle history and printer outputs for audit trails, supporting compliance with ISO 14644 1, EU GMP Annex 1, and FDA regulations. Routine performance checks involve the use of biological indicators and periodic measurement of particle counts or UV output. These documented validation processes help define safe operating limits and guarantee ongoing performance, ensuring validated aseptic transfer between zones.

Yes—many modern pass boxes offer dual-action sterilization, combining pulsed xenon UV with Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP). In such systems, the xenon unit delivers rapid surface decontamination, while the VHP module penetrates complex geometries and provides deep microbial control-including spores and viruses—leaving no toxic residues (only H?O and O?) This synergy supports flexible, validation-approved modes (UV-only, VHP-only, or combined), all controlled via PLC touchscreen interfaces. Real-time sensors continuously monitor H?O? levels, UV intensity, and temperature. Double-door interlocks, HEPA filtration, and leak-proof design ensure robust compliance with ISO 14644 1, BSL, and GMP standards. These units are ideal for high-risk transfers—like BSL-3/4 labs, vaccine production, or semiconductor cleanrooms—where rapid cycle times and maximum assurance are essential

Xenon pass boxes deploy multiple redundant safety systems. Door interlocks (electronic and mechanical) block xenon activation unless doors are closed, and disable lamp firing if opened mid-cycle. UV blocking tempered/quartz viewing windows allow observation without exposure. Crucially, properly designed xenon systems produce minimal ozone, and integrate catalysts or filters to break down residual ozone below safe ambient levels. Other safeguards include audible/visual cycle alerts, emergency stop buttons, and failure interlocks tied to PLC controllers, shutting down upon lamp faults or door malfunctions. Operators are advised to avoid bypassing interlocks and to follow routine maintenance—like flash lamp replacement after 1 2 million pulses and weekly interior cleaning—to ensure consistent safety performance